Torres claims to have learnt from difficult start

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres believes he has “benefitted” from a poor first season at the club and is enjoying playing for the Blues.

The Spaniard signed with the Londoners during 2011 in a British record £50m transfer from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

It was believed that the forward could become a Chelsea icon, but he has struggled to replicate the form he showed in the red shirt at Stamford Bridge.

However, he is beginning to show signs of improvement and he credits the tough period for his turnaround:

“Football is a team sport and not an individual sport,” He told Chelsea’s official website.

“We win as a team and every individual is better if we are part of the team. If we win trophies, we have the chance to win individual awards because it comes with the team targets.

“If Chelsea win the Champions League, everyone is a better, more recognised player, but if you win an individual award and nothing with your team, it means nothing. You have to win with the team, and for the team.

“In your life you go through a difficult situation or a very good situation and you have different moods, but you learn things from your experiences.”

He is now a senior member of Roberto Di Matteo’s squad and has been using his experience to welcome new signings such as Cesar Azpilicueta to the club:

“It’s not easy to come somewhere new and have to find your place,

“I remember when I first came to Liverpool, Pepe Reina helped with everything and he made it easy for me. These are the basics in football, you need to create an atmosphere and try to create a group of friends. It’s not easy and it doesn’t always happen but you have to try.”